My Airfare Secrets                                                             Bookmark   Cuba as a vacation site has grown in popularity; it has nearly 2 million tourists every year. In order to have a pleasant experience about traveling to and within Cuba, read the following tips:   1) Bear in mind that Cuba has a slow pace with no central reservation system in place equipped with sophisticated computers; it may take up to a week just to make a reservation. So be patient. 2) If you want to stay in an Old Havana hotel, you are have to make an early reservation; in peak season, up to 2 months in advance; in off season, up to 1 month prior to arriving. 3) Be prepared to meet Cubans who know or speak little English outside the island's hotels and resorts. So learning a few important words in Spanish may not be a bad idea. 4) Plan your trip to Cuba as thoroughly as possible to ensure a successful and delightful time. 5) Bring a valid up-to-date passport and a separate tourist visa card. Remember: The tourist visa permits a stay of 30 days; it can be renewed for an additional 30 days for recreational or leisure reasons. 6) Remember to have a spare $20 in cash so you can pay the Cuban departure tax at the airport as you are leaving. 7) It's a very practical measure to carry small denominations of US dollar bills of $1s, 5s, 10s, and 20s. US bills are widely accepted everywhere in Cuba. 8) Do not depend on your credit cards issued by a US bank for making purchases in Cuba; but most major US travelers checks and American Express are now being accepted at especially-assigned Cuban banks. 9) It's a very good idea to get the Transcard debit card to make your life easier in Cuba. This card is accepted in most banks, shops, hotels, and restaurants. Before your departure, if you want this card, you have to open an account and mail a money order to their office in Canada. When you arrive to Cuba, you can then obtain your Transcard card during the weekdays at the Transcard office. 10) If you are going to use connecting flights, it's highly recommended to allow plenty of time between each flight. 11) Only one suitcase is allowed for each passenger and one small hand luggage is permitted in the cabin. 12) If you are traveling to Cuba in January and February, you are advised to bring with you some warm clothes. 13) It's recommended to carry a roll of toilet paper with you at all times.